A judge in Panama City has issued strict precautionary measures against four individuals, including family members of a detained union leader, as part of a major money laundering investigation. Judge Carmelo Abdiel Zambrano of the First Judicial Circuit handed down the rulings following a guarantees hearing, court documents show.
The decision directly impacts the family of Jaime Caballero, a prominent leader with the Suntracs construction workers’ union who is currently incarcerated. Those now under court order include Caballero’s daughter, Kathia Elena Caballero Batista, his wife, Maria Isabel Cordero, and fellow union leaders Abdiel Bethancourt and Jose Palacios.
Court Imposes Strict Controls on Defendants
Judge Zambrano’s order mandates all four defendants to report to authorities weekly. They face a comprehensive prohibition on leaving Panamanian territory. The judge also formally barred them from approaching any facilities belonging to the National Union of Construction and Similar Workers.
Each individual stands formally accused of crimes against the economic order, specifically in the modality of money laundering and financial crimes. These charges stem from a sprawling probe into the union’s financial activities.
Investigators allege Caballero received, transferred, and utilized funds originating from illicit activities conducted by members of the Suntracs board of directors. [Translated from Spanish]
Authorities arrested Caballero’s wife and daughter on Monday, October 27, in an operation conducted in Boquete, Chiriqui Province. The Fiscalía Primera contra la Delincuencia Organizada directed the apprehension.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Money Laundering Scheme
Prosecutors outlined a scheme where Caballero allegedly exploited his influential position within the union. He is accused of authorizing transfers and signing checks for his personal benefit with the explicit goal of concealing the true origin of the money.
One specific maneuver described by the prosecution involves the stratification of funds. Caballero reportedly transferred money into bank accounts held in his name and his daughter’s name. A portion of these funds allegedly paid for personal expenses, credit card bills, and supplies for a family-owned business.
Caballero remains detained at La Joya Penitentiary while the investigation continues. He faces identical charges related to money laundering and financial crimes. The case has sent ripples through Panama’s labor and political circles given Suntracs’s significant influence.
The court’s imposition of precautionary measures signals the seriousness with which it views the allegations. Preventing the defendants from leaving the country helps ensure their availability for future court proceedings. The reporting requirement provides ongoing judicial oversight.
This case represents one of the most significant legal challenges ever faced by leadership within the powerful construction workers’ union. Suntracs has historically played a pivotal role in national infrastructure projects and labor negotiations. The union has not yet issued a public statement regarding the latest judicial developments.
Legal experts following the case suggest the investigation could take many more months to complete. The complexity of financial crimes often involves tracing funds through numerous accounts and transactions. Prosecutors will likely continue presenting evidence to the court as their probe widens.
For now, the four defendants must navigate their daily lives under the strict conditions set by the judicial order. Their movements and activities will be closely monitored by Panamanian authorities. Any violation of the judge’s mandates could result in immediate detention.